New Book Announcement: ‘Alone and Content’

I’m delighted to announce the publication of my book “Alone and Content: Inspiring, empowering essays to help divorced and widowed women feel whole and complete on their own.”

The book is a collection of essays I handpicked and adapted from the series of monthly columns I have written for “In Good Health” over the past decade. Now, all in one place, my collection of essays is available for those who live alone after losing a spouse or partner through divorce, death or other life circumstance.

Many often wonder, “Will I ever be happy again?”

As a divorced woman, I know how painful it can be to find yourself living alone, especially after a long relationship has ended. I also know it’s possible to reclaim your life, to determine who you really are and to turn living alone into an adventure of self-discovery and personal growth at any age.

My book opens with a “How Content Are You?” quiz, followed by a simple scorecard designed to help readers assess their level of happiness and satisfaction with life. While not scientific, this quiz and scorecard can provide a helpful baseline for moving forward on the road to contentment.

After the quiz is taken, readers can then pick and choose from over 25 essays full of thought-provoking and practical advice. The essays are organized into six chapters:

• Coming into Your Own

• Overcoming Challenges

• Designing a Home Sweet Home

• Surviving the Holidays and Special Occasions

• Exploring Relationships and Romance

• Spreading Your Wings

Each essay is followed by two compelling questions, under the heading, “What You Can Do Today.” These questions are designed to inspire action and motivate readers to take healthy steps toward creating a life of fulfillment and joy on their own.

While the book is intended for women, men can also benefit from my experience and helpful advice.

It’s my hope that those who pick up my book will find encouragement, inspiration and even a few laughs within its pages. Ideally, “Alone and Content” will awaken readers to new ways of thinking about living alone and to the pride, pleasure and power that can come with independence.

But, don’t take my word for it.

Here’s what BJ Mann, highly respected founder of BJ Mann Mediation Services, had to say about the book: “As a divorce mediator (for 17 years) I have seen thousands of clients yearn for a guide to help them move from sadness to hope. Gwenn’s gentle nudges and positive suggestions are a blueprint for being your best self and loving your own company. The book provides the key for thriving not just surviving, for living not just healing.”

With the right attitude, you can turn the life you are living into the life you want. Possibilities can open up. When that happens, living alone becomes secondary to living fully!

Writing this book has been a labor of love. And gratitude.

First, I’m grateful to my “workshop women,” those resilient women who have attended my Live Alone and Thrive workshops and generously shared their stories, struggles and triumphs. Their courage touched me deeply and inspired not only the essays in my book, but my ongoing commitment to helping women live alone with confidence, peace, and joy.

Next, my heartfelt thanks go to Wagner Dotto, publisher and editor of “In Good Health” and “55 PLUS” magazine. He invited me to become a contributing columnist over a decade ago and has been my biggest fan ever since. This book would not exist were it not for Wagner’s foresight and support.

All my best,Gwenn

“This book is a gift for those who live alone!”
Teresa Jackson, Live Alone and Thrive workshop participant.

To Purchase The Book

Alone and Content is available for purchase in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and can be ordered through Barnes and Noble. You can also find the book on

Gwenn’s website:
www.aloneandcontent.com

Gwenn Voelckers is the founder and facilitator of Live Alone and Thrive empowerment workshops for women held throughout the year in Mendon, New York. For information about her workshops, book, or to invite Gwenn to speak, call 585-624-7887, email gvoelckers@rochester.rr.com, or visit www.aloneandcontent.com.